For physicians who’ve yet to experience first-hand the advantages of Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT) and how it works, it’s easy to dismiss it. Too often, physicians who consider adding EPAT to their continuum of care come across a troubling myth:
#1 Myth: “If it’s not covered by insurance, my patients won’t pay for it.”
If you are pondering the validity of the myth, we’re here to shed light on the facts. It’s essential to gain perspective on actual patient beliefs on EPAT. Let the words of your medical peers put your concerns to rest:
“With the climate of health insurance today, most patients have very high deductibles and therefore they often essentially become non-insured patients. Secondly, many patients who suffer from chronic pain will pay for great cutting-edge care.”
Dr. David Nadler, DC
Dr. David W. Nadler & Associates
“In my experience, if a patient has gone through cortisone injections as well as orthotics, and still has pain, EPAT is a great alternative to surgery. And with insurance deductibles high and rising, cost is not an issue. Most of my patients who opt for EPAT are those who have had failed treatment from other doctors. If a physician advertises that he/she has this technology, patients will seek it out!”
Dr. Eric Abrams, DPM
Foot & Ankle Affiliates of Central NJ
"The majority of tendon issues cannot be surgically corrected, especially when the diagnosis is partial tearing or tendinosis. Most treatment options for this type of condition are not covered by insurance (ie injections). EPAT is the least invasive and often the most cost-effective of these options."
Dr. Brice Blatz, MD
Pacific Regenerative and Interventional Sports Medicine
“When patients see results, they do not mind paying. Also, those patients tend to refer other patients who come in already knowing that EPAT is not covered by insurance. They are ready to pay out of pocket.
I’ve found that when other providers in the area find out that you offer EPAT, you get referrals for treatment. Again, these patients have been told that EPAT is not covered by insurance and they come in anyway.”
Dr. Lyresa Pleskovitch, DC
The Spine & Therapy Center
“When I first started doing shockwave in 2001, there was only one machine in the area – high-energy Dornier that cost $2,500 for one treatment. Patients that I’ve had a long-standing relationships with will pay for EPAT just as they do for orthotics.”
Dr. Ira Meyers, DPM
Montgomery Podiatry Associates
“The vast majority of my patients who are candidates for EPAT are very willing to pay out of pocket. This may be due to a relatively affluent patient population, but I think it is more so due to exhausting a number of other treatment approaches before offering ‘non-covered’ EPAT. By then most patients are quite eager to do it.”
Dr. John Hester, DPM
Pro Sports Orthopedics
“Active individuals with musculoskeletal pain are interested in safe treatments with evidence to support use. Costs should be considered in any treatment provided. Many patients will elect for EPAT, despite out-of-pocket costs, given the safety profile and evidence that shockwave can be helpful for a portion of patients receiving treatment.”
Adam Tenforde, MD
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Network
“My experience is that when you explain the time commitment of multiple PT visits and multiple follow-up office visits, plus the expense in terms of PT, office visits and prescription co-pays, cost of night splints or pneumatic boots, pain of a cortisone injection, loss of mobility related to a pneumatic boot, not to mention potential deductibles, as compared to the cost of 3, 4, 5 or even 6 EPAT treatments, most people see the value. In addition, it is perceived as ‘new technology’ which patients like these days.”
Norm Wortzman, DPM
Mass General Hospital Foot & Ankle Center
You Can Trust the Words of Physicians Who Use EPAT Therapy
As you can see, physicians who use EPAT therapy regularly in their practice have handily squashed the myth that patients won’t pay out of pocket for evidence-based, alternative treatments like shockwave therapy. Below are some key takeaways:
- Patients choose EPAT because it’s evidence-based and safe.
- Patients who suffer from chronic pain will pay for effective, innovative treatment.
- There’s a hefty price associated with the loss of mobility and quality of life--patients will pay for relief.
- Patients who opt for EPAT have often experienced treatment failure with traditional methods.
- EPAT is an excellent alternative to surgery.
- When patients see and feel results with shockwave therapy, paying out of pocket becomes a non-issue
- Patients who seek EPAT by name are ready to pay.
- EPAT is non-invasive and often the most cost-effective treatment choice.
Suffice it to say; it’s best not to rely on the faulty assumption that patients will not pay out of pocket for EPAT therapy. If it behooves a patient to pay for a treatment that will provide them the outcome they seek, they will pay without hesitation.
More on the Power of EPAT Therapy
According to Dr. Jason Levy, DC, of Advanced Performance & Rehabilitation Center, also Team Chiropractor for the NY Jets and NY Red Bulls, “From what I’ve seen, there’s no other treatment approach that gets the results that EPAT delivers. When it comes to getting athletes better faster and back in the game, this technology is invaluable.”
The inestimable value of EPAT is clear, whether you’re treating elite athletes, weekend warriors, or armchair quarterbacks. Everyone with limited motion is looking to get back in the game swiftly and efficiently.
Be sure to watch this inspiring webinar featuring Dr. Jeffrey Kleis, DPM, Treating Neuropathy with EPAT: 10 Years of Success to discover how he’s offering new hope to patients suffering from neuropathy through EPAT.
Regenerative technology like shockwave opens wide the door to better treatment opportunities for patients. To learn more about this innovative technology, be sure to check out EPAT®: 5 Ways Shockwave is a Treatment Game-Changer.
Ready to Add EPAT to Your Continuum of Care?
Now that the #1 myth about EPAT has been put to rest, you may be feeling more confident about adding EPAT to your continuum of care.
Regenerative technologies such as EPAT, ESWT, and EMTT, offered by CuraMedix, can provide physicians and their patients safe alternative healing solutions known to deliver best-in-class outcomes. Patients are looking for safe, non-surgical solutions that will effectively treat the root cause of their pain and dysfunction and accelerate the healing process. Be the resource they desire by providing the most innovative standard of care.
Still have questions about EPAT, how it works and how your patients can benefit? We’d love to connect to answer any questions you may have. Contact us today, and we'll connect you with one of our knowledgeable team members.
